Executive Summary
This analysis examines nutrition education practices across
55 dental schools worldwide after removing duplicate
entries. The survey reveals significant insights into current
integration methods, teaching approaches, research activities, and
regional variations in nutrition education delivery within dental
curricula.
|
Metric
|
Value
|
|
Participating Schools
|
55
|
|
Integration Rate
|
61%
|
|
Average Hours
|
25
|
|
Collaboration Interest
|
91%
|
|
Research Activity
|
60%
|
1. Global Analysis (All 55 Schools)
1.1 Curriculum Structure & Content
Q2: Integration Methods
|
Integration Method
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Integrated throughout multiple courses
|
33
|
61
|
|
Standalone nutrition course
|
8
|
15
|
|
Not formally included
|
7
|
13
|
|
Both standalone and integrated approaches
|
6
|
11
|

Key Finding
61% of schools integrate nutrition throughout
multiple courses, representing the most popular approach. Only
13% of schools do not formally include nutrition
education.
Q3:Hours Distribution
Global: Nutrition Education Hours Statistics
|
Statistic
|
Value
|
|
Count
|
45
|
|
Mean
|
26
|
|
Median
|
15
|
|
Min
|
2
|
|
Max
|
150
|
|
Q1
|
10
|
|
Q3
|
34
|
|
SD
|
28
|

Q4: Academic Years When Nutrition Education is Provided
Global: Academic Years When Nutrition Education is Provided
|
Academic Year
|
Count
|
Percentage of Schools (%)
|
|
Second year
|
37
|
67.3
|
|
Third year
|
35
|
63.6
|
|
First year
|
29
|
52.7
|
|
Fourth year
|
17
|
30.9
|
|
Fifth year
|
5
|
9.1
|
|
Sixth year
|
4
|
7.3
|

Key Finding
Second year (67.3%) and Third year
(63.6%) are the most common years for nutrition education delivery, with
many schools providing education across multiple years of the
curriculum.
Q5: Detailed Curriculum Topic Coverage
Global: Detailed Curriculum Topic Coverage Analysis (3-Point Scale)
|
Nutrition Topic
|
Not Covered (%)
|
Moderately (%)
|
Adequately (%)
|
Total Covered (%)
|
Quality Assessment
|
|
Diet and dental caries
|
2
|
19
|
79
|
98
|
High Quality
|
|
Dental erosion and eating disorders
|
8
|
38
|
55
|
93
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Basic nutrition principles and metabolism
|
9
|
40
|
51
|
91
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Public health nutrition
|
9
|
38
|
53
|
91
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Nutrition in periodontal health
|
17
|
35
|
48
|
83
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Dietary assessment methods
|
19
|
37
|
44
|
81
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Nutrition counseling techniques
|
21
|
43
|
36
|
79
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Diet-related systemic diseases
|
22
|
50
|
28
|
78
|
Good Coverage
|
|
Special populations nutrition
|
26
|
57
|
17
|
74
|
Moderate Coverage
|

Q6: Teaching Methods
Global: Teaching Methods Used in Nutrition Education
|
Teaching Method
|
Count
|
Percentage of Schools (%)
|
|
Lectures
|
52
|
94.5
|
|
Case-based learning
|
37
|
67.3
|
|
Clinical observations
|
20
|
36.4
|
|
Problem-based learning
|
20
|
36.4
|
|
One-to-one patient advice and support
|
19
|
34.5
|
|
Simulation exercises
|
14
|
25.5
|
|
Online modules
|
6
|
10.9
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
4
|
7.3
|

Q7: Practical Learning Exercises
Global: Required Practical Exercises in Nutrition Education
|
Practical Exercise
|
Schools
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Collection and interpretation of dietary records
|
29
|
53
|
|
Nutritional analysis software usage
|
9
|
16
|
|
Patient education and dietary change support
|
36
|
65
|

1.2 Research Activities
Q10: Research Activity
Global: Schools Conducting Nutrition-Related Research
|
Conducts Research
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Yes
|
32
|
60.4
|
|
No
|
21
|
39.6
|

Q11: Research Areas and Details
Global: Nutrition Research Areas (Among Research-Active Schools)
|
Research Area
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Public health nutrition
|
22
|
40.0
|
|
Clinical nutrition studies
|
20
|
36.4
|
|
Behavioral research
|
12
|
21.8
|
|
Basic science research
|
9
|
16.4
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
2
|
3.6
|

Q12: Student Research Participation
Global: Student Research Participation Levels
|
Student Participation Level
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
0
|
19
|
35.8
|
|
5
|
9
|
17.0
|
|
1
|
8
|
15.1
|
|
10
|
7
|
13.2
|
|
2
|
4
|
7.5
|
|
0.5
|
2
|
3.8
|
|
15
|
1
|
1.9
|
|
20
|
1
|
1.9
|
|
50
|
1
|
1.9
|
|
70
|
1
|
1.9
|

Key Finding
40% of schools report no student research
participation, representing a significant opportunity to enhance student
engagement with nutrition research. Among schools with student
involvement, 1-10% participation is most common (27% of
schools).
1.3 Assessment & Quality
Q13: Assessment Methods Analysis
Global: Assessment Methods Used in Nutrition Education
|
Assessment Method
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Written exams
|
46
|
83.6
|
|
Case presentations
|
23
|
41.8
|
|
Clinical assessments
|
23
|
41.8
|
|
Research projects
|
12
|
21.8
|
|
OSCE stations
|
11
|
20.0
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
5
|
9.1
|

Q16: Program Quality Self-Assessment
Global: Program Quality Self-Assessment (5-Point Likert Scale Analysis)
|
Quality Statement
|
Strongly Agree (%)
|
Total Agreement (%)
|
Agreement Strength
|
|
Current curriculum time is sufficient
|
3.8
|
73.0
|
Moderate
|
|
Research integration enhances education
|
5.8
|
69.3
|
Moderate
|
|
Adequately prepares students for clinical practice
|
11.5
|
67.3
|
Moderate
|
|
Students demonstrate competency in dietary advice
|
11.5
|
61.5
|
Moderate
|

1.4 Collaboration & Resources
Q8: Interprofessional Collaboration
Global: Healthcare Professionals Involved in Nutrition Education
|
Healthcare Professional
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Dental/hygiene therapists/dentists
|
42
|
76.4
|
|
Medical doctor/Physician Assistant
|
19
|
34.5
|
|
Nutritionist
|
13
|
23.6
|
|
Registered Dietitian
|
12
|
21.8
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
6
|
10.9
|
|
Social worker/psychologist
|
5
|
9.1
|
|
Pharmacist
|
3
|
5.5
|
|
General Nurses/Nurse Practitioners
|
1
|
1.8
|

Q9: Interprofessional Activities
Global: Types of Interprofessional Activities
|
Interprofessional Activity
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Joint lectures/seminars
|
26
|
47.3
|
|
Research collaboration
|
20
|
36.4
|
|
None
|
15
|
27.3
|
|
Shared clinical rotations
|
11
|
20.0
|
|
Case conferences
|
8
|
14.5
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
2
|
3.6
|

Q14: Current Nutrition Education Resources Available
Global: Nutrition Education Resources Currently Available
|
Currently Available Resource
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Online resources
|
41
|
74.5
|
|
Textbooks
|
41
|
74.5
|
|
Patient education materials
|
27
|
49.1
|
|
Clinical guidelines
|
26
|
47.3
|
|
Key/systematic literature reviews
|
26
|
47.3
|
|
Interdisciplinary expertise
|
21
|
38.2
|
|
Dedicated nutrition faculty
|
10
|
18.2
|

Q17: Desired Improvements for Nutrition Programs
Global: Desired Improvements for Nutrition Education Programs
|
Desired Improvement
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
More clinical integration
|
34
|
61.8
|
|
Increased curriculum space
|
30
|
54.5
|
|
Additional clinical faculty training
|
26
|
47.3
|
|
Enhanced resources
|
22
|
40.0
|
|
Improved assessment methods
|
12
|
21.8
|
|
More online nutrition courses
|
12
|
21.8
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
4
|
7.3
|

Q20: Multi-institutional Collaboration Interest
Global: Interest in Multi-institutional Collaboration
|
Collaboration Interest
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
Yes
|
48
|
90.6
|
|
No
|
5
|
9.4
|

1.5 Implementation Challenges & Future Plans
Q18: Implementation Barriers
Global: Main Barriers to Providing Nutrition Education
|
Barrier
|
Count
|
Percentage of Schools (%)
|
|
Limited curriculum time
|
41
|
74.5
|
|
Low priority in curriculum
|
22
|
40.0
|
|
Lack of faculty expertise
|
18
|
32.7
|
|
Limited resources
|
14
|
25.5
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
5
|
9.1
|

Q19: Future Plans
Global: Plans to Modify Curriculum
|
Future Plans (Next 2 Years)
|
Count
|
Percentage (%)
|
|
No
|
20
|
37.7
|
|
Yes (please describe)
|
17
|
32.1
|
|
Unsure
|
16
|
30.2
|
1.6 Global Analysis: Key Findings Summary
Enhanced summary statistics for key findings
Enhanced Global Summary Statistics
|
Metric
|
Value
|
|
Total Schools
|
55
|
|
Integration Rate
|
61.1%
|
|
Avg Hours
|
24.6
|
|
Research Active
|
60.4%
|
|
Collaboration Interest
|
90.6%
|
Integration & Delivery
61% Multi-Course Integration: Integrated delivery
throughout multiple courses dominates, with only 13% using standalone
courses.
Years 2-3 Peak Delivery: Second (67%) and Third
(64%) years concentrate nutrition education during clinical readiness
development.
26.2 Hours Average Allocation: Wide range (2-150
hours) indicates significant variation in commitment levels.
95% Lecture Dependency: Traditional teaching methods
dominate, with case-based learning (67%) as primary active method.
Topic Coverage vs. Quality Gap (Major Finding)
Near-Universal Basic Coverage: Diet & caries
(98%) and basic principles (95%) show excellent coverage rates.

2. Regional Analysis by Geographic Region
This section examines nutrition education practices across the three
major geographic regions represented in our survey: Europe, North
America, and Other Regions. Regional analysis reveals distinct patterns
in curriculum delivery, research activities, and collaboration
approaches that reflect different educational systems, resource
availability, and institutional priorities.
The regional comparison provides insights into:
- Integration method preferences by geographic
context
- Resource allocation patterns across different
educational systems
- Research activity levels and focus areas by
region
- Collaboration opportunities and partnership
potential
- Implementation challenges specific to regional
contexts
2.1 Participating Schools by Region

Regional Characteristics Overview
Europe (24 schools, 43.6%): Includes institutions
from UK, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Nordic countries, Spain,
Ireland, and Cyprus. Strong representation across diverse European
dental education systems.
North America (13 schools, 23.6%): Covers United
States and Canadian institutions with established dental programs and
strong research infrastructure.
Other Regions (18 schools, 32.7%): Represents
emerging dental education programs and institutions from diverse global
contexts, including unnamed institutions and schools from developing
dental education markets.
Note: Minor differences exist in some regional
percentages in this report relative to the submitted manuscript,
reflecting small differences in regional n values following post-hoc
correction of institutional assignments. The submitted values (Europe
n=25, North America n=13, Other Regions n=17) are correct hard coded in
Rmd file: ejde_results_streamlined_REVISED.Rmd
Q2: Integration Methods by Region
Regional Comparison: Integration Methods (Percentage by Region)
|
nutrition_integration_method
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Both standalone and integrated approaches
|
8.3
|
15.4
|
11.8
|
|
Integrated throughout multiple courses
|
66.7
|
69.2
|
47.1
|
|
Not formally included
|
8.3
|
0.0
|
29.4
|
|
Standalone nutrition course
|
16.7
|
15.4
|
11.8
|

Q3: Hours Analysis by Region
Regional Comparison: Hours Dedicated to Nutrition Education
|
Region
|
N
|
Mean
|
Median
|
Min
|
Max
|
SD
|
|
Other Regions
|
10
|
41.8
|
12.5
|
4
|
150
|
49.4
|
|
Europe
|
23
|
25.8
|
20.0
|
2
|
72
|
19.9
|
|
North America
|
12
|
14.0
|
12.0
|
4
|
28
|
6.8
|

Q4: Academic Years by Region
Regional Comparison: Academic Years When Nutrition Education is Provided
(% of schools)
|
education_years_provided
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Fifth year
|
16.7
|
0.0
|
5.6
|
|
First year
|
66.7
|
76.9
|
16.7
|
|
Fourth year
|
37.5
|
30.8
|
22.2
|
|
Second year
|
70.8
|
84.6
|
50.0
|
|
Sixth year
|
16.7
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
|
Third year
|
66.7
|
76.9
|
50.0
|

## Q5: Topic Coverage by Region
Regional Comparison: Topic Coverage (% Total Covered / % Adequately
Covered)
|
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Topic
|
Total_Covered_Europe
|
Total_Covered_North America
|
Total_Covered_Other Regions
|
Adequately_Covered_Europe
|
Adequately_Covered_North America
|
Adequately_Covered_Other Regions
|
|
Diet and dental caries
|
100
|
100
|
94
|
96
|
77
|
59
|
|
Nutrition in periodontal health
|
82
|
100
|
72
|
52
|
46
|
44
|
|
Public health nutrition
|
95
|
100
|
76
|
65
|
54
|
35
|
|
Dietary assessment methods
|
92
|
92
|
61
|
57
|
54
|
22
|
|
Nutrition counseling techniques
|
95
|
92
|
50
|
45
|
46
|
17
|
|
Diet-related systemic diseases
|
78
|
92
|
67
|
39
|
23
|
17
|
|
Dental erosion and eating disorders
|
100
|
85
|
88
|
70
|
62
|
29
|
|
Basic nutrition principles and metabolism
|
100
|
84
|
82
|
65
|
46
|
35
|
|
Special populations nutrition
|
83
|
69
|
65
|
26
|
15
|
6
|

Q6: Teaching Methods by Region
Regional Comparison: Top Teaching Methods (% of schools using each
method)
|
teaching_methods
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Case-based learning
|
75.0
|
76.9
|
50.0
|
|
Clinical observations
|
50.0
|
30.8
|
22.2
|
|
Lectures
|
95.8
|
100.0
|
88.9
|
|
One-to-one patient advice and support
|
37.5
|
46.2
|
22.2
|
|
Problem-based learning
|
45.8
|
53.8
|
11.1
|
|
Simulation exercises
|
33.3
|
30.8
|
11.1
|

Q13: Assessment Methods by Region
Regional Comparison: Top Assessment Methods (% of schools using each
method)
|
competency_assessment
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Case presentations
|
54.2
|
38.5
|
27.8
|
|
Clinical assessments
|
45.8
|
53.8
|
27.8
|
|
OSCE stations
|
20.8
|
23.1
|
16.7
|
|
Research projects
|
25.0
|
15.4
|
22.2
|
|
Written exams
|
87.5
|
92.3
|
72.2
|

Q7: Practical Exercises by Region
Regional Comparison: Required Practical Exercises (% of schools
requiring each)
|
Practical Exercise
|
Europe (%)
|
North America (%)
|
Other Regions (%)
|
|
Dietary Records Collection
|
66.7
|
61.5
|
27.8
|
|
Nutrition Software Usage
|
20.8
|
23.1
|
5.6
|
|
Patient Education Support
|
75.0
|
69.2
|
50.0
|

Q8: Healthcare Professionals by Region
Regional Comparison: Top Healthcare Professionals (% of schools
involving each)
|
healthcare_professionals
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Dental/hygiene therapists/dentists
|
87.5
|
76.9
|
61.1
|
|
Medical doctor/Physician Assistant
|
58.3
|
7.7
|
22.2
|
|
Nutritionist
|
25.0
|
15.4
|
27.8
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
8.3
|
7.7
|
16.7
|
|
Registered Dietitian
|
25.0
|
38.5
|
5.6
|
|
Social worker/psychologist
|
12.5
|
15.4
|
0.0
|

Q9: Interprofessional Activities by Region
Regional Comparison: Top Interprofessional Activities (% of schools
conducting each)
|
interprofessional_activities
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Case conferences
|
12.5
|
15.4
|
16.7
|
|
Joint lectures/seminars
|
41.7
|
38.5
|
61.1
|
|
None
|
25.0
|
46.2
|
16.7
|
|
Research collaboration
|
45.8
|
30.8
|
27.8
|
|
Shared clinical rotations
|
20.8
|
23.1
|
16.7
|

Q10: Research Activity by Region
Regional Comparison: Research Activity (Percentage by Region)
|
nutrition_research_conducted
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
No
|
30.4
|
46.2
|
47.1
|
|
Yes
|
69.6
|
53.8
|
52.9
|

Q11: Research Areas by Region
Regional Comparison: Top Research Areas (% of schools)
|
research_areas
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Basic science research
|
16.7
|
23.1
|
11.1
|
|
Behavioral research
|
25.0
|
15.4
|
22.2
|
|
Clinical nutrition studies
|
41.7
|
23.1
|
38.9
|
|
Public health nutrition
|
45.8
|
30.8
|
38.9
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
0.0
|
7.7
|
5.6
|

Q12: Student Research Participation by Region
Regional Comparison: Student Research Participation Levels (% of
schools)
|
student_research_percentage
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
0
|
34.8
|
30.8
|
41.2
|
|
0.5
|
4.3
|
7.7
|
0.0
|
|
1
|
4.3
|
38.5
|
11.8
|
|
10
|
21.7
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
|
2
|
4.3
|
7.7
|
11.8
|
|
20
|
4.3
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
|
5
|
26.1
|
0.0
|
17.6
|
|
15
|
0.0
|
7.7
|
0.0
|
|
50
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
5.9
|
|
70
|
0.0
|
0.0
|
5.9
|

Q17: Desired Improvements by Region
Regional Comparison: Desired Program Improvements (% of schools
requesting)
|
improvement_suggestions
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Additional clinical faculty training
|
41.7
|
61.5
|
44.4
|
|
Enhanced resources
|
50.0
|
46.2
|
22.2
|
|
Improved assessment methods
|
20.8
|
7.7
|
33.3
|
|
Increased curriculum space
|
45.8
|
53.8
|
66.7
|
|
More clinical integration
|
70.8
|
53.8
|
55.6
|
|
More online nutrition courses
|
16.7
|
15.4
|
33.3
|

Q14: Current Resources by Region
Regional Comparison: Current Resources Available (% of schools currently
using)
|
available_resources
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Clinical guidelines
|
58.3
|
46.2
|
33.3
|
|
Dedicated nutrition faculty
|
20.8
|
23.1
|
11.1
|
|
Interdisciplinary expertise
|
41.7
|
46.2
|
27.8
|
|
Key/systematic literature reviews
|
54.2
|
53.8
|
33.3
|
|
Online resources
|
79.2
|
76.9
|
66.7
|
|
Patient education materials
|
62.5
|
61.5
|
22.2
|
|
Textbooks
|
87.5
|
69.2
|
61.1
|

Q15: Implementation Barriers by Region (CORRECTED - was
incomplete)
Regional Comparison: Top Implementation Barriers (% of schools
reporting)
|
education_barriers
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
Lack of faculty expertise
|
29.2
|
30.8
|
38.9
|
|
Limited curriculum time
|
75.0
|
84.6
|
66.7
|
|
Limited resources
|
29.2
|
30.8
|
16.7
|
|
Low priority in curriculum
|
29.2
|
46.2
|
50.0
|
|
Other (please specify)
|
8.3
|
15.4
|
5.6
|

Q16: Program Quality Assessment by Region (DETAILED - FIXED)

##
## ### Regional Quality Assessment Summary:
Regional Summary: Average Agreement Rates Across All Quality Metrics
|
Region
|
Avg Total Agreement (%)
|
Avg Strong Agreement (%)
|
Total Responses
|
|
Europe
|
70.6
|
7.6
|
92
|
|
North America
|
61.6
|
13.5
|
52
|
|
Other Regions
|
68.7
|
4.7
|
64
|
Q20: Collaboration Interest by Region
Regional Comparison: Collaboration Interest (Percentage by Region)
|
followup_survey_willingness
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
No
|
8.7
|
7.7
|
11.8
|
|
Yes
|
91.3
|
92.3
|
88.2
|

Q19: Future Plans by Region
Regional Comparison: Future Curriculum Modification Plans (% of schools)
|
future_modification_plans
|
Europe
|
North America
|
Other Regions
|
|
No
|
39.1
|
53.8
|
23.5
|
|
Unsure
|
30.4
|
15.4
|
41.2
|
|
Yes (please describe)
|
30.4
|
30.8
|
35.3
|

2.2 Regional Strategic Positioning Analysis
Analysis completed on 2026-02-27
Based on 55 unique institutional responses
Duplicates removed: ADEMA entries and University of Georgia
duplicate
Note on Data
Minor differences exist in some regional percentages in this report
relative to the submitted manuscript, reflecting small differences in
regional sample sizes following post-hoc correction of institutional
assignments. The submitted manuscript values (Europe n=25, North America
n=13, Other Regions n=17) take precedence.
Report Authors
Michael Crowe, BSc, BDentSc, PhD (Dublin Dental University Hospital /
Trinity College Dublin) Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, RDN (Rutgers School of
Health Professions / Rutgers School of Dental Medicine) Teresa A.
Marshall, PhD, RDN (University of Iowa)
How to Cite This Report
Crowe M, Touger-Decker R, Marshall TA (2026). Global Dental School
Nutrition Education Survey: Regional Companion Analysis Report. ADEE
Community of Practice in Nutrition. Prepared for internal COP
circulation pending peer review of the related manuscript.
Acknowledgements
This report was produced on behalf of the ADEE Community of Practice
in Nutrition. Full COP membership: Michael Crowe, Riva Touger-Decker,
Teresa A. Marshall, Patricia Correia, Claire McEvoy, Ruxandra Sfeatcu,
Domenico Dalessandri, Nora Lopez Safont, and Aneta Lazarova. We thank
all participating dental schools for their contribution to the
survey.